Team picks up award for business support

North Tyneside Council's Sean Collier, senior manager, business and enterprise; Amy Farrell, research and intelligence apprentice; and Karen Westgate, business development officer; with Anna Soubry MP, Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise.

David Sedgwick

A team helping new businesses find their feet have picked up a top award.

North Tyneside’s Business Factory collected a top national award for promoting entrepreneurial spirit in this year’s Enterprising Britain Awards 2015.

Members travelled to the Houses of Parliament to be presented with the award by Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise, Anna Soubry MP.

The Business Factory team’s ‘outstanding innovation and ambition’ earned the group the award; being particularly commended for their work to promote an entrepreneurial mindset in individuals.

Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “This prestigious award is hugely deserved by the Business Factory team, who are skilled, innovative and a credit to North Tyneside Council.

“Their work has helped hundreds of budding business owners and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality and make a valuable contribution to the economic vitality of the borough.”

Mrs Soubry MP said: “I want to congratulate all the winners of this year’s competition for promoting enterprise across the country.

“We have a record number of small businesses in the UK and the government will continue to back entrepreneurs by giving out more start up loans and making sure they can find the right kind of advice and support.

“I want to see more people across the country growing their ideas into real businesses that create jobs and boost our growing economy.”

Established in 2009, the North Tyneside Business Factory project provides a comprehensive and holistic service to budding business owners and entrepreneurs, encompassing all aspects of enterprise.

It is the second year that the Business Factory has been recognised in the Enterprising Britain Awards – last year it was ‘highly commended’ in the same category.

The Business Factory’s one-stop-shop for advice is located on Saville Street in North Shields or residents can receive advice, support and ideas online via www.businessfactorynt.co.uk